Enhanced electronic dive mask system incorporating image enhancement and clarification processing

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an enhanced electronic diving mask with various image enhancement hardware and software integrated with a diving mask, whereby images may be enhanced to enable a diver to achieve greater visibility and clearer vision while underwater. Notably, the present invention combines techniques that have previously been used in connection with internal patient surgical procedures, so that medical instrument imaging technology used inside the human body may for the first time be used to afford divers clearer vision, more visibility and greater safety.

PRIORITY CLAIMS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/542,052, filed Aug. 15, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/786,467, filed Oct. 17, 2017, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/409,315, filedOct. 17, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND

The ocean covers 71 percent of the earth's surface. Since the dawn ofhuman existence, people have entered the water to collect food. Thereare artifacts indicating that the people of Mesopotamia engaged indiving to collect pearl oysters as long as 4,500 years ago. The originsof diving trace back to the being of human history. Over time, diverslearned to equalize ear pressure as they descended to deeper depths.Eventually, the desire to go deeper and stay underwater for longerperiods of time led to the development of systems for underwaterbreathing, such as helmets supplied with pressurized air through anattached hose. Today one of the most popular means of underwaterexploration is scuba diving, where a diver uses a self-containedunderwater breathing apparatus (scuba) to breathe underwater. Unlikeother modes of diving, which rely either on breath-hold or on breathingsupplied under pressure from the surface, scuba divers carry their ownsource of breathing gas, usually compressed air, allowing them greaterfreedom of movement than with an air-line or diver's umbilical andlonger underwater endurance than breath-hold.

Scuba diving is popular recreationally and professionally in a number ofapplications including scientific, military and public safety roles.However, for commercial diving it is more common to use surface supplieddiving equipment when this is practicable. In either case, with theability to breathe underwater, divers can now function underwater forextended periods of time and descend to greater depths. However, inorder to safely move freely and fully explore the underwaterenvironment, divers also need to be able to see clearly in a widevariety of challenging conditions. Even in ideal conditions, it isgenerally more difficult to see underwater than through air andtypically, underwater viewing conditions are far from ideal. Thedisclosed invention is a specially constructed electronic dive mask(EDM) system that incorporates a transparent electronic display screeninto the viewing window of a divers mask. The diver is then able toselect either a normal view or an enhanced view or a combination of thetwo in order to increase visual clarity. In some embodiments the diveris able to select a blended view that combines the normal view with anenhanced view to create an augmented view of the surrounding environmentto improve situational awareness. One of the key requirements for safescuba diving is the improvement of visibility underwater.

The human eye sees better through air than through water. One of thereason for this is that water is 800 times denser than air. As result,when light enters water, it interacts with the water molecules andparticles, resulting in loss of light intensity, color changes,diffusion, loss of contrast and other effects. To get a sense of thiseffect, consider that an underwater photo of an object one meter away,will be similar to a photo above water at 800 meters. Both photos willlook bluish and lack contrast.

Another factor affecting visibility underwater is that sunlight isreflected by the surface of the water and this causes significantchanges in visibility and the perception of color underwater.Furthermore, different wavelengths are absorbed differently as the lightpasses through the water. The shorter the wavelength, the deeper(longer) it will reach before being absorbed. This causes objects tolose their color as a diver goes deeper down or further away.

The most common cause of reduced visibility are particles—live orotherwise—in the water. Bright particles in water reflect and scatterlight, resulting in diffusion. A sandy or muddy bottom can easily bekicked up and with small particles it can take a while before thesediment settles again. Shipwrecks and caves are particularly prone tofine silt.

The impact of rough water also affects visibility. Waves and otherturbulence will reflect light and cause it to scatter more than a smoothplane. Weather and seasonal factors also come into play. Water run-offfrom mountains in the spring can increase the velocity of water flow inrivers. This in turn results in more sediment being picked up andcarried into nearby bodies of water. From there, prevailing currents cancarry the sediment to the dive site. Low visibility creates a multitudeof safety risks.

Low visibility can undermine the purpose of the dive, or make it moredifficult or less enjoyable. If the purpose of the dive is discovery orinspection, without good visibility it is not possible to do a thoroughjob. Low visibility during a dive can be dangerous. It increases therisks and stresses of diving. Unfamiliarity and lack of visibility breedfear and increase stress and air consumption. Entanglements, overheads,and other hazards cannot be seen and are more difficult to escape.Gauges may be impossible to read. Murky waters are often polluted,increasing the risk of infection or disease from a minor scratch or cut.An obvious consideration is that when visibility is limited, divers musttake care not to bump into objects that can cause serious injuries: reefstructures and sharp edges on wrecks are examples.

Some sites are plagued by current as well as by low visibility. Whencurrent is present, it is easy to drift off course and become separatedfrom diving buddies. Marine life can pose a serious hazard in lowvisibility. This can happen because often these animals are on highalert due to an inability to see well. If a diver surprises an animal,it is more likely to attack. Sharks, seals and sea lions, stingrays, andsmaller animals are just a few creatures that might feel the need todefend themselves when startled. Panic can happen to anyone,particularly if nitrogen narcosis begins to set in during alow-visibility situation. Divers need to be extra cautious and pay closeattention to how they feel while diving at low visibility to preventproblems.

Companies like Oceanic offer diving masks with heads up displays. TheOceanic DATAMASK contains a miniature liquid crystal display (LCD)panel, proprietary digital optic system, microprocessor, depthtransducer, wireless cylinder pressure receiver, diver replaceablebattery, and controlling software. The miniature LCD allows you to keepyour eyes focused on the dive while presenting critical dive dataincluding: current depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder pressure, and divetime remaining. The digital optic system provides a clear, highlymagnified image of the LCD, which is viewable regardless ofenvironmental conditions and may be seen clearly by the vast majority ofdivers, regardless of vision. While this may be considered anadvancement in the art, divers require more and more visibility as thescope of underwater tasks becomes more and more complex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Underwater divers work in a very difficult environment. Many challengesmust be overcome to perform essential tasks—whether maintainingunderwater structures, military missions, or recreational activities. Aspreviously noted, a primary challenge divers must deal with is poorvision. Poor contrast, lack of light, cloudy water, and water turbulenceall contribute to poor visual acuity. Additionally, a diver mustmaintain persistent awareness of the environment and monitor a multitudeof threats. Temporal considerations limit exposure to depth pressure,remaining oxygen supply, and body temperature. Even external threatsmust be monitored, be they from predatory sea life, hostile militaryforces, or unexpected changes in the environment. Adding to thesechallenges is the difficulty of communicating with other divers andtopside personnel. Working underwater is both physically and mentallychallenging and characterized by high risk.

The electronic dive mask (EDM) invention addresses these challenges witha unique combination of state-of-the-art technology. The EDM provides adevice that significantly improves visual acuity, and in someembodiments includes the option to monitor critical resources,conditions, threats, provides increased situational awareness, and acapability to support multimodal communications with other divers andtopside resources.

The elements of import include the display mask, a system processingunit, a user interface with controls, and the display mask ancillaryfunctions. According to the present invention, further image enhancementis provided over what has been offered in the past. Notably, advances inother fields such as the medical instrument imaging field have for thefirst time been incorporated into a diving mask.

These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention, are specifically set forth in, or will become apparent from,the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the various elements of an enhanced electronic divemask system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates one or more underwater divers in an environment wherethe invention may be used to enhance diving experiences and improvesafety.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An enhanced diving mask according to the present invention has a numberof critically important components. Central to the EDM(enhanced—electronic diving mask) as set forth herein is the displaymask that mounts on the diver's head and through which the diver looksto observe the underwater environment. The principal component of thedisplay mask is the transparent display panel (TDP). The display mask isinterconnected with a second critical system component, the systemprocessing unit (SPU) which is discussed separately below.

Also critical to the system is the optical sensor array that consists ofone or more optical sensors (cameras). The illustration shows twooptical sensors positioned approximately above the diver's eyes toprovide a human-like perspective. Additional optical sensors could bepositioned to capture views from the sides, top, below, or behind thediver.

Each optical sensor provides a digital video stream to the SPU that isrouted through circuitry that contains mathematical algorithms thatremove visual occlusions, enhance visual acuity, and perform otherselectable enhancement and measurement functions. The enhanced digitalvideo stream can be displayed in real time. In one embodiment, enhancedimagery is displayed in a resizable “Picture-In-Picture” window on theTDP. The diver has parametric control of all aspects on the enhancementwindow, including size, position, brightness, intensity, and choice ofalgorithms. In an alternative embodiment, the diver is then able toselect either a normal view or an enhanced view or a combination of thetwo blended to create an augmented view of the surrounding environmentin order to increase visual clarity or improve situational awareness.

Buttons for user controls are located on the top and side of the maskfor easy access. Various embodiments optionally include on the mask anacoustical and optical communications receiver and transmitter, or earbugs. In some embodiments, imagery from the dive can be wirelesslytransmitted from the EDM to viewed by other members of the dive teamusing nearby devices.

The EDM thus provides the underwater diver a visually enhanced view asshown in FIG. 1. In addition, according to the present invention, asystem processing unit (SPU) is required. The system processing unit iscompact computing platform with a removable battery enclosed in awaterproof case that is intended to be worn by the diver attached on abelt around the waist or arm, for example. The SPU is interconnect tothe display mask. It provides power for the system. It receives videoand still images from the camera and/or optical sensors on the mask. Itsends processed video and still images to the display on the mask. Itcommunicates other sensor data between the processing platform and themask.

In addition, according to the present invention, user interface andcontrols are provided. The SPU typically includes a user interface andcontrols that allow user interaction through a keypad attached to theSPU and buttons on the display mask. In some embodiments, an optionaltemperature sensor is included on the SPU. In some embodiments, statusand message indicators are shown on the display mask. In someembodiments, the SPU includes a data storage device where imagery fromthe dive can be saved.

According to the present invention, a display mask with ancillaryfunctions is taught and disclosed. In addition to the EDM's capabilityof providing an algorithmically enhanced view, in some embodiments theTDP can provide a general purpose computer display for many types ofstatus messages, alerts, and special purpose software applicationsresident in the SPU.

The EDM uses the transparent nature of the display to provide a uniquecapability for application software designed to assist the diver. TheSPU provides an overlay capability that enables software applications to“alpha blend” their computer generated text and/or images onto thediver's view varying the visual intensity such that the diver's fullfield of view is preserved.

A major advantage of the present invention is the addition of imageenhancement algorithms. Enhancing live imagery in real time requiressophisticated image processing techniques and tremendous computationalthroughput. It requires applying these techniques to incoming videostreams without introducing delays. The disclosed invention incorporatesproprietary real-time video image enhancement technology that implementsadvanced image processing techniques as algorithms that run onhigh-performance field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). FPGAs provide asuitable processing platform because they allow sophisticated imageprocessing algorithms to be implemented in hardware, where they will runmuch faster than in software. These image enhancement algorithms can beapplied to incoming live video streams to produce dramatically betterclarity.

Using sophisticated algorithms to apply mathematical functions to theimage matrix, it is possible to reveal hidden layers of visualinformation without losing detail. This is a purely mathematicalapproach that utilizes all of the available image information, includingportions that are not normally visible to the human eye. A large body ofimage processing algorithms exists that use techniques includinghistogram manipulation, convolution, morphology, over- and undersampling, quantization, and spectral processing, including Fouriertransforms and Discrete Cosine Transforms (DCTs). These algorithms arein general computationally intensive. Conventional processor technologydoes not offer the performance necessary to keep pace with the demandsof full motion video at up to 60 frames per second (fps), or one frameevery 16.67 milliseconds. Processing a Standard-Definition (SD) videostream requires about 150 to 200 gigaflops, while a 1,080p streamrequires about 1.2 teraflops. The disclosed invention utilizes FPGAsbecause they enable the algorithms to be implemented in hardware wherethey will operate much faster than in software. FPGAs offerdeterministic performance, with latencies that are an order of magnitudeless than that of GPUs. Furthermore, FPGAs require less power becausethey use parallel processing and, therefore, can achieve requiredperformance at lower clock frequencies than software processors.

The disclosed invention utilizes several advanced image processingalgorithms that can be applied individually or in combination todramatically improve image clarity and visibility in underwaterapplications. A global de-haze algorithm is also an important aspect ofthe present invention. One of the algorithms used in the presentinvention is the global de-haze algorithm. The global de-haze isdesigned to take into account the physical processes that go along withatmospheric haze and fog, and the different types of scattering of lightunderwater or similar phenomena. It tries to take into account thephysics of the situation with regard to particular obscuring media thatcome between the object and the camera. Is it based on knowledge andexperience with how different media typically affect the light in termsof treating different wavelengths, or different colors differently,e.g., preferentially using more of the blue or the red, and so on. Itthen attempts to organize the reconstruction of the image in ways thatmake sense with the physics in the situation. Like histogram-basedalgorithms, global de-haze looks at the statistics of the data from theentire image, decides what types of corrections to make, and thenapplies those corrections by doing the same operation to the entireimage. The difference is that it with global de-haze, the gains andoffsets applied tend to be more linear because the processes in thephysics that degrade image data are correspondingly linear, and thealgorithm attempts to mirror those effects.

In addition to a de-haze algorithm, the present invention utilizes aclarifier algorithm. A clarifier algorithm as used in the presentinvention is a locally adaptive algorithm. Locally adaptive imageprocessing is typically done using a mathematical operation called aconvolution kernel. While the underlying mathematics of convolutionfiltering are complex, performing an image convolution operation isstraightforward. A convolution kernel generates a new pixel value basedon the relationship between the value of the pixel of interest, and thevalues of those that surround it. In convolution, two functions areoverlaid and multiplied by one another. One of the functions is thevideo frame image and the other is a convolution kernel. The frame imageis represented by a large array of numbers that are pixel values in x-and y-axes. The convolution kernel is a smaller array, or a mask wherevalues are assigned based on the desired filtering function, forexample, blur, sharpen, and edge detection. The size of this array,referred to as kernel size, determines how many neighboring pixels willbe used to generate a new pixel. In convolution, the kernel operates onthe image to create one new pixel each time the mask is applied, and,therefore, the operation must be repeated for every pixel in the image.

Convolutions are computationally intensive and, therefore, mostimplementations use only small kernels (3×3, 9×9, 16×16). However, usingunique, nontraditional programming techniques, the clarifier algorithmis able to implement very large convolution kernels that producedramatically better results. The reason a very large kernel producesbetter results has to do with the range and variations in brightnessover a given area, which is referred to as spatial frequency. Byconsidering the data in a large neighborhood that is centered aroundeach pixel as it is being processed, a large kernel includes a muchgreater range of spatial frequencies.

Traditional small kernel processing can only enhance details in the veryhighest spatial frequencies, which typically contain little of thespectral content (full range of color) of the image, and where noise isprevalent. Hence, small kernel processors must employ high gain to havemuch noticeable effect on the image. High gain tends to produce sharpoutlining artifacts and increases visible noise. Large kernel processing(operating on much more of the “meat” of the image) can produce dramaticresults with much lower gain, with the additional benefits of large areashading, yielding much more natural-appearing images with increasedlocal contrast, added dimensionality, and improved visibility of subtledetails and features.

The clarifier algorithm uses a very large 400×400 kernel and is designedto clarify the image by removing haze and enhancing image detail. Thisclarifier algorithm is able to achieve remarkable clarity by removingenvironmental distortions to reveal more of the real image. It improvesdynamic range and contrast.

Naturally, according to the present invention, any multitude ofcomplimentary and non-conflicting algorithms may be used in anycombination or in concert to achieve optimal results. By combiningalgorithms, enhanced results may be achieved according to the presentinvention. In many types of imagery, the clarifier on its own willprovide excellent results, especially when the imagery already containsdeep color. The clarifier produces remarkably clear images and bringsout detail better than histogram algorithms. However, it does notimprove color and if there is not sufficient color in the sourceimagery, the clarifier may produce images that appear washed out.Therefore, in some cases, such as in underwater imagery it is useful tofirst apply the global de-haze algorithm before using the clarifier.

The global de-haze algorithm is good at enhancing color and especiallyuseful with water, haze or fog, or other situations where there is notmuch color. When using the global de-haze with another locally adaptivealgorithm such as the clarifier, it is usually preferable to apply itfirst. This is because, by its nature, it attempts to undo what thephysics of the haze or other distortion did to the light initially. Theproblem with running the locally adaptive clarifier first, is that itwould filter out information necessary for the global operation. Afterthe global de-haze removes environmental distortion, then the clarifierlocally adaptive algorithm will be more effective working at improve thevisibility of low local contrast features of the image than if it wererun by itself.

Before describing the invention in detail, it is useful to describe anexemplary environment within which the invention can be implemented. Onesuch example is that of a diver or divers on a military mission, anexample of which is shown in FIG. 2. While executing an underwater divemission, images of the surrounding environment are captured by one ofmore cameras on the dive mask. The diver enables the image enhancementfeature of the system through the user interface. Video streams from thecamera are transmitted live to the system processing unit. The inputvideo stream is routed through the image processing algorithms withinthe SPU where the imagery is enhanced to improve visual clarity. Theenhanced imagery is transmitted to the display screen inside the divemask. At any time during the dive, the diver can disable or enable theenhancement feature through the user interface. If the diver has enabledrecord of the video stream, then it will be saved to a data storagedevice within the SPU.

FIG. 1. further illustrates the various elements of the electronic divemask system according to an embodiment of the invention. The systemincludes an electronic dive mask 100 that is connected by an electricalcable 151 to the system processing unit (SPU) 150. The dive mask 100includes the transparent computer display 101 where a portion of thedisplay is designated as the visual enhancement window 102. A portion ofthe display may also be used to display status and messages 105. One ormore cameras may be built into the mask 104 or they may be attachedseparately (not shown). The mask may optional include earbuds 107 forcommunicating with members of the dive team. Control buttons 103 areconveniently located on the mask so the diver can interact with the userinterface to enable or disable enhancement features. Acoustic andoptical communications receivers and transmitters 106 to allowcommunications with members of the dive team. A head strap 159 is usedto secure the mask to the diver's head.

The SPU is included in a waterproof enclosure 150 which houses theelectronic circuit board 152. The electronic circuit board 152 includesan FPGA 157 which is programmed to contain the image processingalgorithms and a CPU 158 which runs the user interface and other systemcontrol functions. Other electronic components such as memory andinput/output interfaces which are typically part of an embedded computerare incorporated into the electronic circuit board (not shown). Alsolocated within the enclosure is a removable battery 153 that providespower to the entire system. A keyboard 154 is attached to the SPU forthe diver to interact with the system. Additional components are atemperature sensor 156 and a connector for other external sensors 156.The SPU is attached to the diver's body using a belt or strap (notshown).

FIG. 2. illustrates an underwater environment where the invention may beused by divers to improve the diver's visual clarity, enhance the divingexperiences and improve safety.

FIG. 3. further illustrates the various elements of the electronic divemask system according to an embodiment of the invention. During anunderwater dive, a diver may wish to view enhanced imagery of thesurrounding scenery. To enable enhanced imagery, the diver presses oneof the push button controls 305 located on the electronic dive mask 300.This sends a signal to the user interface software in the CPU unit 306located in the system processing unit (SPU) 302 which sends instructionsto the FPGA 303 to display a picture-in-picture window within theviewing window of the diver's mask. The user interface software willalso send instructions to activate the camera 301 on the dive mask 300if it is not already active. Once the image enhancement feature isenabled, a video stream is sent from the camera 301 to the FPGA 303which applies image enhancement algorithms to the imagery on aframe-by-frame basis. The enhanced imagery is then sent to thetransparent display 304 on the electronic dive mask 300 where it isdisplayed within the picture-in-picture window of the transparentdisplay 304. In some cases, the diver may wish to record the imagerycaptured by the camera. To do so, the diver presses one of the pushbutton controls 305 located on the electronic dive mask 300. This sendsa signal to the user interface software in the CPU unit 306 located inthe system processing unit (SPU) 302 which sends instructions to thedata storage unit 307 to record or save any imagery sent from the camera301 to the non-volatile storage media. The recorded imagery may beimagery from the camera 301 the is either enhanced or not enhanceddepending on the instructions entered by the diver using the pushbuttons controls 305 on the electronic dive mask 300 or the keyboard 308attached to the system processing unit (SPU) 302.

While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have beendescribed above, it should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the variousdiagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration forthe disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding thefeatures and functionality that may be included in the disclosedtechnology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to theillustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desiredfeatures may be implemented using a variety of alternative architecturesand configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in theart how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning andconfigurations may be implemented to implement the desired features ofthe technology disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of differentconstituent module names other than those depicted herein may be appliedto the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams,operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the stepsare presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments beimplemented to perform the recited functionality in the same orderunless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or moreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead maybe applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of theother embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not suchembodiments are described and whether or not such features are presentedas being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scopeof the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have beendescribed above, it should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the variousdiagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration forthe disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding thefeatures and functionality that may be included in the disclosedtechnology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to theillustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desiredfeatures may be implemented using a variety of alternative architecturesand configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in theart how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning andconfigurations may be implemented to implement the desired features ofthe technology disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of differentconstituent module names other than those depicted herein may be appliedto the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams,operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the stepsare presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments beimplemented to perform the recited functionality in the same orderunless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or moreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead maybe applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of theother embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not suchembodiments are described and whether or not such features are presentedas being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scopeof the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedin multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

Embodiments presented are particular ways to realize the invention andare not inclusive of all ways possible. Therefore, there may existembodiments that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure as set forth by appended claims, but do not appear here asspecific examples. It will be appreciated that a great plurality ofalternative versions are possible.

1. A user programmable computer for use by an underwater diver, forprocessing visual data obtained underwater or related to underwateractivities, comprising: a computer processor coupled to one or more datastorage devices, volatile and non-volatile memory devices, one or moredata input devices, and an enhanced display device for displaying imagesfrom an underwater source; a housing capable of withstanding divepressures while protecting said enhanced display device and associatedelectronics from the ambient environment; a dive helmet adapted tosecure said enhanced display device within eyesight of a diver such thatthe display device is readily visible to said diver, and whereby saiddiver, while under water, utilizes the one or more data input devices orto input data, store data in the data storage device and process thedata so as to cause said programmable computer to function providing adisplay of such functions visibly to the diver; and wherein said divermay actuate various image enhancement functions provided by saidprogrammable computer to create enhanced images to be displayed uponsaid enhanced display device.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein adiver may activate a video enhancement for creating said enhancedimages.
 3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said video enhancementincludes operation of a cloud based video enhancement platform.
 4. Thedevice according to claim 1 wherein said programmable computer includesvisual acuity software for providing an enhanced image to said diver. 5.The device according to claim 1 wherein a de-hazing function is providedby said programmable computer wherein said diver may eliminate theeffects of a diving mask that is cloudy due to usage in a moistenvironment.
 6. The device according to claim 1 wherein high performancefield-programmable arrays provide said enhanced images.
 7. The deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein alpha-blending is used to provide imagesand messages for display to said diver.
 8. A method for programming aprogrammable computer for use by an underwater diver, for processingvisual data obtained underwater or related to underwater activities,comprising: a computer processor coupled to one or more data storagedevices, volatile and non-volatile memory devices, one or more datainput devices, and an enhanced display device for displaying images froman underwater source; a housing capable of withstanding dive pressureswhile protecting said enhanced display device and associated electronicsfrom the ambient environment; a dive helmet adapted to secure saidenhanced display device within eyesight of a diver such that the displaydevice is readily visible to said diver, and whereby said diver, whileunder water, utilizes the one or more data input devices or to inputdata, store data in the data storage device and process the data so asto cause said programmable computer to function providing a display ofsuch functions visibly to the diver; and wherein said diver may actuatevarious image enhancement functions provided by said programmablecomputer to create enhanced images to be displayed upon said enhanceddisplay device.
 9. The method according to claim 8 wherein a diver mayactivate a video enhancement for creating said enhanced images.
 10. Themethod according to claim 9 wherein said video enhancement includesoperation of a cloud-based video enhancement platform.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 8 wherein said programmable computer includes visualacuity software for providing an enhanced image to said diver.
 12. Themethod according to claim 8 wherein a de-hazing function is provided bysaid programmable computer wherein said diver may eliminate the effectsof a diving mask that is cloudy due to usage in a moist environment. 13.The method according to claim 8 wherein high performancefield-programmable arrays provide said enhanced images.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 8 wherein alpha-blending is used to provide imagesand messages for display to said diver.
 15. A user programmable computerfor use by an underwater diver, for processing visual data obtainedunderwater or related to underwater activities, comprising: a computerprocessor coupled to one or more data storage devices, volatile andnon-volatile memory devices, one or more data input devices, and anenhanced display device for displaying images from an underwater source;a housing capable of withstanding dive pressures while protecting saidenhanced display device and associated electronics from the ambientenvironment; a dive helmet adapted to secure said enhanced displaydevice within eyesight of a diver such that the display device isreadily visible to said diver, and whereby said diver, while underwater, utilizes the one or more data input devices or to input data,store data in the data storage device and process the data so as tocause said programmable computer to function providing a display of suchfunctions visibly to the diver; wherein said diver may actuate variousimage enhancement functions provided by said programmable computer tocreate enhanced images to be displayed upon said enhanced displaydevice; and wherein a cloud-based de-hazing function is provided by saidprogrammable computer wherein said diver may eliminate the effects of adiving mask that is cloudy due to usage in a moist environment.
 16. Adevice according to claim 15 wherein a diver may activate a videoenhancement for creating said enhanced images.
 17. A device according toclaim 16 wherein said video enhancement includes operation of acloud-based video enhancement platform.
 18. The device according toclaim 15 wherein said programmable computer includes visual acuitysoftware for providing an enhanced image to said diver.